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The RODE VideoMic Pro is a true shotgun microphone designed for use with POV cameras with mic-input, smartphones, handheld camcorders, DSLR cameras and portable audio recorders as a source of primary and reference audio.
One of the major problems with existing DSLR and mini cameras is the weak microphone embedded in the cameras. Thankfully, many of these cameras are including a mini jack for external mics.

One of the best products out right now that provides pro quality audio and wind noise suppression is the Rode VideoMic Pro. Rode makes a series of microphones for professional video equipment. With the VideoMic Pro they bring their years of expertise to the miniature camera arena.

At the heart of the Video Microphone Pro is a high resolution 1/2” condenser capsule that provides broadcast quality audio via a 3.5mm minijack connector (outputting the mono signal to both left and right channels). A super-cardioid polar pattern ensures that surrounding audio is minimised, and your recording is focused on the subject in front of the camera.

The VideoMic Pro separates the electronics from the mount to provide isolation from bumps and shock that may cause unwanted rumble and vibrations in the mic. An innovative suspension system separates the VideoMic Pro electronics from its mount. A lightweight and flexible yet robust multi-strand cable provides significantly lower noise transference than traditional audio cable while ensuring a high definition signal.

The easy to reach power, filter and level controls are on the rear of the mic. The VideoMic Pro’s has native 40Hz-20kHz response along with a selectable high-pass filter at 80Hz. The filter will prevent low end noise from background machines and traffic from being recorded.

With the level settings you can attenuate or boost the recorded level as required. The -10dB level attenuation (or PAD) is ideal for recording loud sound sources, such as live music, motorsport, or interviews where the subject is very close to the camera. The +20dB level boost is designed for use with DSLR cameras such as the Canon 5DMkII, Canon 7D, Canon 1D, Canon 550D/T2i, Canon 60D, Nikon D7000, Nikon D5100, Panasonic GH1 and Panasonic GH2. This boost in the microphone output allows the user to reduce the camera’s preamp level (or mic-input level), effectively reducing the amount of noise generated by the camera’s comparatively low quality audio circuitry.

With a standard microphone shoe mount for on camera use and a common 3/8” thread in the base of the mount for boom pole mounting you get the most common mountings available. Note that cameras with proprietary shoe mounts will require an adaptor or alternative mounting solution.

The VideoMic Pro is battery powered, and provides an amazing 70 hours recording from a single 9V battery.

For all you iPhone videographers out there, this may be the steadicam equivalent for a phone. The Owle Bubo has an optional 37mm macro lens. The solidly built black metal camera holder is tough and has a quality feel to it.

You get a sturdy case with four female tripod mounts, a cold shoe for lights and microphones, and two comfortable handles that steady up your iPhone videography.

The design is top notch and the Bubo feels wonderful in your hands with a cool metal touch. The mounting tips allow for nearly any combination of accessories. The Owle Bubo with two mounts is at least one more than most mounts.

The 37mm macro lens quality is improved over the iPhone 3GS’s default, simply by dint of the large glass lens that rests over the iPhone’s sensor. It adds a slight fisheye effect, but one that is generally welcome, alleviating the typical claustrophobic feel of iPhone video.